The Sri Lankan government has the chance to end the decades-long conflict with Tamil Tigers, the United States said on Thursday, urging both sides to reach a ceasefire.

The Sri Lankan government has the chance to end the decades-long conflict with Tamil Tigers, the United States said on Thursday, urging both sides to reach a ceasefire.

"The government of Sri Lanka has an opportunity to put an end to the lengthy conflict," State Department spokesman Robert Wood said, as he also called for aid workers and the media to be given access to civilians caught in the cross-fire.